More...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Good weather over the past week has boosted the planting of small grains crops in South Dakota well ahead of the average pace.

However, the Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop-weather report that farmers in some parts of the state still are dealing with flooded or damaged roads, making it hard to get into some fields.

Planting of spring wheat still is 65 percent done, and 60 percent of the oats and 44 percent of the barley crop is in the ground.

The favorable weather also has helped South Dakota ranchers. Calving is 76 percent done and lambing 82 percent complete. Eighty-five percent of cattle and 83 percent of sheep are rated in good to excellent condition.